Advance Preview: Thirst With Shay Mitchell Doesn’t Quite Quench The Thirst
MAX is releasing their new travel series, Thirst With Shay Mitchell, tomorrow, May 24. This new creation follows former Pretty Little Liars star, Shay Mitchell as she explores South America one drink at a time. Over the four episodes included in the first season, Shay visits one country per episode and gets a chance to taste the drinks each country is known for, including liquors, coffee, and cocktails. During her travels, enlists the help of influencers native to the specific country to help her navigate her visit and drinks.
On paper, the idea to focus on a specific drink or drinks native to a country rather than its food is quite refreshing. A show such as this, opens up a whole new realm of exploring that hasn’t really been the focus in a travel series in quite some time. This new idea allows the audience to dive deeper into the history and culture of the country, and gives viewers even more reason to visit that specific country. But, Thirst With Shay Mitchell misses the mark.
Nothing felt authentic with this series. Viewers never truly get the chance to connect with the places Shay visits or the drinks she gets to try. Instead, each episode is filled to the brim with so many outings that there isn’t enough time to cover the basics. The history or the cultural importance of certain cocktails, beverages, or alcohols are glossed over to instead focus on costume changes or non-related drinking activities. It takes away from the character of the series and leaves the viewers wishing that more time was spent with the tried and true locals of each country. Where they can learn about their crafts, their passions, and what drives them to continue to create the beverages they create.
As an actress, influencer, and the brilliant mind behind the ever successful BEIS, travel gear and accessories brand, hosting a travel show seems like the perfect next step for Shay. And in the grand scheme of things, it was. She is a good host, but viewers will be able to tell that this is her first ever hosting gig. She hasn’t yet found her footing as a host, and at times that comes across in the conversations she is having with guests or during her one-on-ones with the camera. However, with only four episodes under her belt, she has time to grow into a great host that is engaging and easy for the audience to connect with.
Thirst With Shay Mitchell is a good little starter travel series for MAX. The series’ focus on drinks, brings a new life to the traveling world and allows viewers to get a glimpse into countries they would otherwise pass on. Yes, there are a few things sour bits here and there, but if the series manages to turn its focus back to the drinks and less on the cosumte changes, they will have a successful travel series on their hands.